Launch of the Sustainable Seafood Consumption Guide for the Balearics at Mercadal

Twenty people attended yesterday’s launch of the Sustainable Fish and Seafood Consumption Guide for the Balearic Islands, held at the Es Mercadal Convention Centre. The event, organised by the Calant Xarxes Alliance in collaboration with the Socio-Environmental Observatory of Menorca (IME-OBSAM), aimed to present this practical tool to the public, encouraging responsible consumption and supporting the islands’ artisanal fishing sector.

The event featured a presentation by Elisa Martínez, Coordinator of the Calant Xarxes Alliance, who explained that: “With this guide, we want to make it easier for consumers to choose local, traceable and seasonal fish and seafood, respecting minimum sizes and prioritising species with lower ecological vulnerability and reduced health risks. We’re delighted to have shared the results of this joint effort with the fishermen’s guilds of Ciutadella, Maó and Fornells, Sa Llotja fish market, researchers from COB-IEO, institutional representatives from the Menorca Island Council and Es Mercadal Town Council, members of the Calant Xarxes Alliance, IME-OBSAM technicians, and local residents. We truly appreciate their involvement, interest, and commitment in advancing the sustainability of the Balearic Islands’ fishing sector.”

Eva Marsinyach, Head of Marine Monitoring at IME-OBSAM, also contributed to the event, explaining the technical work behind the guide: “The guide was developed using a rigorous scientific approach, with a clear methodology for assessing species vulnerability. We’re especially grateful to Marina Bagur, the guide’s lead author. It’s been a pleasure to take part in this presentation and to explain how this collective tool was built—combining scientific knowledge and traditional local expertise.”

A practical tool for sustainable change

Driven by the members of Calant Xarxes, the guide seeks to reduce pressure on the most vulnerable species and strengthen conservation of the Balearic Sea. It categorises 40 local marine species into two main groups:

16 lesser-known species, with low ecological vulnerability and minimal health risks—many of which are traditionally part of the Balearic diet.

24 popular species, with varying levels of fishing pressure and ecological vulnerability.

Each species profile includes information about seasonality, fishing methods, minimum sizes, nutritional benefits, cooking recommendations, and more. The guide is intended not only for individual consumers, but also for fishmongers and restaurants—key actors in the value chain.

Sara D’Eustacchio, Communications Responsible at Menorca Preservation: “It’s always a pleasure to create spaces that foster dialogue and collaboration across sectors. We trust this guide will become a useful tool for promoting and highlighting local, sustainable seafood.”

Where to find the guide:

• Available in Spanish, Catalan and English at: www.calantxarxes.org
• Distributed through fishermen’s guilds, island libraries and gastronomy events.
• Restaurants and fishmongers can join the responsible consumption community and receive updates via: www.calantxarxes.org/qr

 

About the Calant Xarxes Alliance

The Calant Xarxes Alliance works to improve the sustainability of fisheries in the Balearic Islands. It collaborates closely with the fishing sector and other key actors in the seafood value chain to promote a sustainable supply of Balearic seafood. It also raises public awareness about the importance of consuming local, traceable, and environmentally responsible seafood, contributing to the fight against illegal fishing.

The alliance is made up of local and international foundations: Marilles Foundation, IbizaPreservation, Mallorca Preservation, Menorca Preservation and Conservation Collective.